Simikot-Hilsa Limi Circuit Camping Trek, 20 Days

Simikot Hilsa Limi Circuit Trek is a trek to one of the most off beaten tracks to the remote regions of Nepal situated in the Humla district of the far north-western part of Nepal, bordered by Tibetan. Trekking in this area was restricted before 1993 hence the trek offers a perfect blend of well-preserved culture and scenery that is very different from the rest of Nepal.

The 20-days Simikot Hilsa Limi Circuit trek covers tropical to alpine climate zone featuring an exclusive look into Tibetan Buddhism. Simikot Hilsa Limi Circuit Trek begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The trip continues after a brief stay in Kathmandu as you fly to Nepalgunj followed by Simikot. Simikot is the administrative headquarters of Humla District and the starting point of this trek. The trekking trail to Limi valley goes alongside Karnali River (the longest river in Nepal) towards various destinations in Humla, where you may encounter different Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep, wild yaks, and snow leopard. Before reaching Limi valley, the trek takes you to the border town of Hilsa, from where you can get an amazing view of Mount Kailash (6638m), a holy mountain located in Tibet. The highlight of this trek, Limi valley, is also known as Shangri-La for its untouched and preserved beauty, natural as well as cultural. The valley also has an exceptional topographical position called “rain shadow” which allows trekkers to trek even in the monsoon season. The valley of Limi reminds of Tibetan landscape with the dry and desert-like terrain. The region is inhabited by Tibetan origin communities like Nyinba, Bynsi, Limipa, and Khampa. The people here still practices Bon Po religion, the pre-Buddhist religion. You stumble across many monasteries, Chortens, stupas, Mani walls, and prayer flag-laden passes during the trek. Throughout the trekking journey, you pass through several isolated villages and valleys, steep passes, lush forests, and bare lands, which work to make this trek unique and fun.

Swiss Family Treks and Expedition is a well-renowned travel and tourism agency based in Kathmandu. We take care of all kinds of permits and also provide you with the best transportation and accommodation while you’re on the move. With our highly experienced guides and porter, you are bound to enjoy your trekking in Nepal. So, remember us for an unforgettable journey in the Himalayan country.

ItineraryDay 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal. We will meet at the airport as you arrive, and then you will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight at a 3-start hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley by private van.
Today you go on a guided tour to explore the beauty of Kathmandu valley. You will visit the cultural sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath which are listed under UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Later, we will meet at our office so that the expertise can brief you about the trip. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Permit procedure and Flight Kathmandu-Nepalgunj
Today you will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is a commercial center in the southwestern plains for both the city inhabitants and those who live in the high mountains. As Nepalgunj is just five miles away from the Indian border, the culture of the city also somewhat matches with India. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Day 4: Flight Nepalgunj-Simikot (2950m / 9678f)
Today you will fly to Simikot (45 minutes) from Nepalgunj. The flight will take you through the edges of hills and gorges of various rivers alongside remarkable mountains. Upon arrival, you will feel topographical changes and the change in climate too. As Simikot is the headquarters of Humla district, many administrative offices can be seen here. Overnight in Simikot.

Day 5: Trek from Simikot to Dharapori (2300m / 7545f) 4 hours.
You start your trek by descending to Humla Karnali River, following which you head towards Dharapori. The trail mostly moves through pine forests and reaches many villages en route. You cross small streams, and finally crossing a suspension bridge over Humla Karnali River, we reach Dharapor for the overnight stay.

Day 6: Trek from Dharapori to Kermi (2670m / 8759f)
Further, we ascend to the village of Khagalgaon (3400m), pass the beautiful waterfall named Chaya Chahara, and again continue to ascend on a steep trail above the gorge of Humla Karnali River to reach Kermi. Above Kermi are some relaxing hot springs where you can go for a relaxing bath. Overnight in Kermi.

Day 7: Trek from Kermi to Yalbang (3020m / 9908f) 5 hours
Go downhill to cross Salli Khola on a suspension bridge alongside an under construction road. The trail ascends above Humla Karnali to reach the Gompa in Yalbang that makes an outstanding campsite. The views are calming, and the welcoming monks speak excellent English. Overnight in Yalbang.

Day 8: Trek from Yalbang to Muchu (3120m / 10236) 4 hours or Tumkot (3380m / 11089) 5 hours
Leaving Yalbang, the trail ascends high above the Karnali River again and crosses the village of Yangar. You move to across the river on a wooden suspension bridge after which the trail ascends along the upper side of the deep valley. Enjoying the view of the emerald Humla Karnali, you make your way to Tumkot via Muchu. Later, you can visit Mota Gompa in Tumkot. Overnight in Tumkot.

Day 9: Trek from Tumkot to Yari (3700m / 12139f) or Thado Dunga (3750m / 12303f) 5 hours
As you start your trek from Tumkot, the trail ascends slowly with a few sheer climbs in between. Experience the landscape changing and becoming stony and isolated. Part of the track goes over the dirt road that is under construction. You move through the small village of Pani Palbang and crossing Yari East and Yari West, you arrive in Yari or Thado Dhunga. Overnight in Yari.

Day 10: Trek from Yari to Hilsa (3720m / 12204ft), across the Nara La (4620m / 15157) 6 hours
Today we cross the Nara La pass (4560m) to head towards the border town of Hilsa. As the trail ascends, the background starts to appear deserted but without losing its allure. After few hours of climbing on a steep ride, you reach the top of Nara La (4560m) which is adorned with many prayer flags and gives you a good view of the holy Mount Kailash (6638m) situated in Tibet. You then descend along the rocky trail to reach Hilsa, which is mostly packed with pilgrims on their way to Kailash Yatra. Overnight in Hilsa.

Day 11: Trek from Hilsa to Manepeme (3900m / 12795f) 5 hours
Leave Hilsa, you cross the bridge above Humla Karnali River. Then you walk along a thin track above the gorge of Humla Karnali River until you reach Manepeme. The trail is uneven but takes you through amazing sceneries of barren peaks and small bushes. Overnight in Manepeme.

Day 12: Trek from Manepeme to Til (4000m / 15091) 6 hours
The trail ascends as it makes way through the high, steep rocks. Halfway through the trek, you leave Humla Karnali behind and continue the trek above the gorge of Limi River hence entering Limi valley. You make a steep ascend towards Til, the first village in Limi valley and go for a visit to its sacred meditation cave, Ya Yip Phuk. This cave plays a significant role in the history of Buddhism as it was the meditation cave of Lotsawa Rinchen Sangpo, a well-known interpreter of Buddhist scriptures. Overnight in Til.

Day 13: Trek from Til to Halji (3660m / 12007f) 3 hours
It’s an easy day walk to Halji, where you can visit the age-old monasteries. The trail follows Limi River upstream on a leveled ground. You arrive at the village passing a Chorten and a big Mani wall, a low wall with many stones in which holy mantras and Buddhist deities are engraved. The main hall of the monastery in Halji has a gorgeously ornamented statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. In smaller rooms, you can find more lovely statues, the complete Kenjur (Buddhist scriptures), and masks and costumes used during festivals. Overnight in Halji.

Day 14: Trek from Halji to Jang (3930m / 12893f) 4 hours
This is the easy part of the trek. Most of the time, the path takes you along the bank of Limi River. The company of Limi River makes the trek even more fun as you reach the last village of Limi valley i.e. Jang. In Jang, you can explore the ancient Gompa where you can find colorful paintings of Buddhist deities. Overnight in Jang.

Day 15: Trek from Jang to Talung (4370m / 14337ft) 8 hours
Today you bid goodbye to Limi valley and ascend alongside Takchhe Khola to reach Talung. The trail gets tough at times and also passes few wooden bridges on the rivers and streams en route. Since there are no villages on the way, you can enjoy the soothing hiss of the river as you make your way to Talung. Overnight in Talung.

Day 16: Trek from Talung to Shinjungma (3620m / 11876f), across Nyalu La (4940m / 16207f) 8 hours
It is a very hard today but is also satisfying as the ascent to the top of Nyalu La (5001m), the highest point of the trek, provides an amazing view of Humla and glimpses of Tibet. On very clear days you get to see the holy Mount Kailash (6638m) and other snowcapped mountains. From the pass, it is a sharp decline to Selima Tso. The trail continues following the Salli River until reaching Shinjungma. Overnight in Shinjungma.

Day 17: Trek from Shinjungma to Kermi (2670m / 8759f) 7 hours
You will get back to Kermi village today with a sharp descend alongside Salli River. The walk can be a little tiring due to uneven solid grounds among pine and birch trees. The trail leads you to Humla Karnali River once again, and you follow the river all the way to Kermi. You can relax at the natural hot spring in the village. Overnight in Kermi.

Day 18: Trek from Kermi to Simikot (2950m / 9678f) 6 hours
The day starts on a rough road with the astonishing backdrop. The trail is smooth up to Darapor and Majgaon. After Majgaon, the trail gets rough and climbs uphill above the gorge of Humla Karnali River until you arrive in Simikot. Overnight in Simikot.

Day 19: Simikot to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu by flight
With the end of the trek to Limi Valley, you finally come to the end of the whole journey. It is a long way back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj with some amazing memories of the trip. You will be taking two flights to get back to Kathmandu so that you can get enough rest before your flight back home. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 20: Final Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, our representative will escort you to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled time of your flight.

Customize Your Trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de

Important: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Grades Explanation

Grade (Easy)

Easy trekking by Himalayan standards is generally up to 2000m. There are plenty of ups and downs on well-maintained trails. This type of trip is best suited for those who lead a reasonably active life. The trek takes about 3 to 7 days, walking about 4 to 5 hours a day.

Grade (Moderate )

This involves longer treks (five to ten days) on maintained trails. This type of trek includes day excursions to higher elevations, for which it's advisable to have some previous hill- walking experience. On these treks, we generally achieve an altitude between 900m to 3000m.

Grade (Moderate to strenuous)

A reasonably demanding trek at an altitude up to 4000m with side trips to higher elevations. The trails are sometimes uncharted and away from inhabited areas.

Grade (Strenuous )

These treks must be fully supported. We climb to altitudes between 3500 and 5000m. & there are overnight stays at altitudes above 4000m. For this trek, trekkers should be fit & enthusiastic hill walkers prepared to tackle difficult terrain in remote areas.

Grade (Very Strenuous)

This trek is best described as Alpine, and suitable is suitable for those in excellent health, capable of carrying a backpack, when required. The trek covers very remote areas, traveling over snow-covered passes at an altitudes of up to 6500m. You will need to axes and crampons. No strenuous trek should be undertaken without medical clearance.